Meat Chicken/ Poultry

Raising broilers or roasters as a 4-H project can be rewarding, educational and fun!

Broiler projects are suitable for youth of all ages, from beginners to those with many years of experience. Also, broiler projects are well suited for those with limited space for housing animals. By following recommendations and setting up a daily routine of care, young people can have a successful and rewarding show project.

Meat-type chicks are readily available and provide the opportunity to learn how to raise chickens with a minimal investment in equipment and facilities.

The broiler project involves raising chicks from one day of age to market weight at 42 to 49 days of age. The broilers require some type of housing to provide protection from predators and to create an environment to promote growth; however, the facilities and space for broilers do not need to be expensive or elaborate.

The primary objective of producing broilers is to optimize growth, so 4-H’ers involved in the broiler project will need to be concerned with the following: housing, brooding, heating, lighting, feeders and waterers, feeds and feeding, and health.

Learn from your leaders and older project members the proper methods of handling your birds and showing them.

―"Learning by doing!”

Requirements: None (No need to raise chickens to be in this project!)

Leader

MEETINGS